AFTER THE STORM… Rylan Clark returns to This Morning following backlash over his immigration comments — as viewers react to his on-screen comeback
Rylan received backlash from viewers after his comments on immigration, he later released a statement on Instagram(Image: ITV)
Rylan Clark has made his comeback to ITV’s This Morning following controversy sparked by remarks he made last year.
The TV personality appeared alongside Emma Willis on the daytime show today, filling in for the usual Friday hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary.
Whilst Rylan was once a regular stand-in presenter, he faced significant criticism last year after sharing his views on immigration, which subsequently prompted him to issue a public statement.
During an episode of This Morning last August, whilst discussing mass deportation proposals put forward by Nigel Farage – who pledged to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants over a five-year period should he gain power – Rylan offered his perspective on the immigration debate.
The former X Factor contestant acknowledged that whilst immigration has been fundamental to Britain’s history, culture and societal development, and that immigrant doctors had played a crucial role in saving his mother’s life, he believed measures were needed to prevent small boats from crossing the Channel, reports the Daily Star.
He stated: “[The UK] is built on immigration. Legal immigration – a lot of the nurses, the doctors that have saved my mum’s life, have come over here from other countries. They’re living a great life, they’re paying into this tax system, they’re helping this country thrive.”
He continued: “I find it absolutely insane that all these people are risking their lives coming across the Channel.
“And when they get here, it does seem, and I think this is why a lot of Labour voters as well are saying there’s something wrong, it feels like, ‘Welcome, come on in’. That’s the narrative we’re being fed.”
Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary usually host This Morning together on Fridays(Image: ITV)
Rylan went on to claim asylum seekers are given an iPad, saying: “Here’s the iPad. Here’s the NHS in reception of your hotel. Here’s three meals a day. Here’s a games room in the hotel. Have a lovely time and welcome.”
He continued: “There are people that have lived here all their lives that are struggling. They’re homeless. Let’s not even discuss our homeless. There are people living on the streets, veterans, all of this.”
His comments sparked outrage, leading to 702 Ofcom complaints, and Rylan was noticeably absent from This Morning for several weeks thereafter.
However, he has now returned to the newly refurbished studio alongside co-host Emma Willis, greeting viewers on Friday with: “Hello and welcome to your Friday’s This Morning.”
Rylan’s comments last year sparked hundreds of complaints(Image: ITV)
The duo shared a warm embrace, expressing their delight at being back together on screen. Emma remarked: “This is nice, isn’t it, back together.”
“It’s our first time in the new studio,” Rylan added, referring to the ITV daytime changes implemented earlier this year.
He further commented on the unusual encounters in the new setting, saying: “It’s really bizarre, you’re getting ready and then all of a sudden there’s a Sunetra Sarker… do you know what I mean? Walked into Kaye Adam’s dressing room, what am I like?”
“He’s going rogue,” Emma joked, whilst Rylan addressed the audience: “It’s lovely to have your company, we’ve got lots coming up for you,” before outlining what was planned for the show.
Rylan and Emma reunited on This Morning today(Image: ITV)
Audiences were thrilled to witness the duo presenting together, with one viewer commenting: “So so pleased to see Rylan back on the programme this morning and a great pairing with Emma.”
“Rylan and Emma are brilliant,” another viewer agreed, whilst someone else remarked: “Yay… good to see Rylan and Emma.”
“Rylan and Emma are the best presenters,” yet another viewer praised.
One person added: “Rylan and Emma! Are the producers finally listening to the viewers?”
Viewers praised the two presenters onscreen together(Image: ITV)
In the wake of controversy surrounding his remarks last year, Rylan stood firm in an Instagram statement, declaring: “You can be pro immigration and against illegal routes.
“You can support trans people and have the utmost respect for women. You can be heterosexual and still support gay rights. The list continues.”Stop with this putting everyone in a box exercise and maybe have conversations instead of shouting on Twitter.”
